Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing :: Book Translation
- Part 4 -

James Oinam *

Nupi Lan Book Cover

Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing: Part 4
(Brave Women During the Nupi Lan)
Publisher: Lamlai Area Nupi Marup
Cover illustration by: Singh Publicity, New Checkon
First print: December 1991
Copy: 1500
Printer: Haobam Printing Works, Etam Nungoi

Irabot and Mahila Sammelani

In 1940, during people’s uprising in the wake rising food prices, women of Manipur decided unanimously to form a women’s organization called “Manipur Mahila Sammelani”. But in the absence of Irabot to lead, the organization broke up into pieces. They seemed to go on separate ways. After the release of Irabot in 1945, they welcomed him and discussed what they endured.

With the war just ending, people needed to build their lives, educate their children, bring equality among men and women, and fight against exploitation. That will make us “khuya tushitpa punshi” (self-reliant?), otherwise we will remain to live like slaves.

In 1947, Irabot arranged praja sabha, praja sammelani, krishak (farmer) sabha etc. Bijai and Iboyaima were tasked to do this—to visit houses of well-known leaders of nupi lan to fix a date of gathering at Keishamthong Top Leirak, in the playground near Ramlanpan. Those who came that day included Shabi, Tongau, Khongnang, Chaobiton, Rajini, Patsoi Leiren, Thoibi, etc., a total of about 100 people.

In that meeting, it was decided to re-establish/revive the old Manipur Mahila Sammelani. Next, for its working committee, the name Shrimati Wahengbam ongbi Matonkhombi(?) (Tongdau) was proposed for the position of president.

“I decline to be a part of it, please select sister Shabi for this position,” she declared. The working committees endorsed to work to revive the sammelani. Shabi as sabhapati (president) and Indurekha as secretary were selected. 11 members were selected as karyakari (workers) committee. They were Indurekha, Thoibi, Patsoi Leiren, Bubati(?), Lalita, Ibeyaima (Kiranmala), Ibeton, Apambi, Agani(?), and Amu.

How Was Sammelani Revived?

Manipuri women lived under exploitation, who could not go out or study and lived by weaving some cloths at home and looking after children. Few elderly people knew what was to come and educated their daughters and these women raised awareness to revive “Manipur Mahila Sammelani”.

They targeted mainly Manipuri bazars, namely, Singjamei, Kongba, Lilong, Thoubal, Wangjing, Khongjom, and Kakching, when there was crowd. Next, it was Khwairamband, Lamlong, and Lamlai bazars. After that Lamshang bazar, Yairipok bazar, Hiyanthang bazar, Nambol bazar, Bishenpur, Ningthaukhong, and Moirang were targeted. At times they were received well, but at times they were mistreated.

Further to this, in Lamlai bazar, in the second meeting Irabot was received by many including former members of Mahashabha. Among them were Oinam Sahai(?) of Chana village and Kanhaimacha among men and Kameng Jati and Apanbi (Kabui) among women. On the following day a complete committee of Manipur Mahila Sammelani was formed which elected Kameng Jati as president (sabhanetri). Thus, even area committees were formed. Similarly, the strength of Manipur Krishak Sabha also grew.

The two worked together and on 21 September 1948 upon death of Naran Babu, Mahila Sammelani and Krishak Sabha were suppressed. Elderly and younger generation unable to bear became underground; workers of Mahila Sammelani made sure they did not fall into enemy hands.

In 1950-51, due to rise in food prices and stealing, under a decision taken by Manipur Mahila Sammelani more than 200 families of Tekcham and Khongjom villages were taken by vehicles to near Lamlai bazar and looked after for nearly 3 months.

To this day, people did not forget the volunteers of Manipur Mahila Sammelani and Kishan Sabha for that. Some of those who took part in this might be still alive, but due to misinformation and in the garb of communist ploy, it has been forgotten.

Khwangchet machi lang
Tem khutta paiduna
Lanthengnakhibi
“Kameng Jati”

[Tying cloth around waist
Holding a weaving stick
Warrior
“Kameng Jati”]

This story was written after discussing with my father Khaidem Nimai Meetei who was friend of ema Jati. Ema Jati used to come to my in-law’s home in a red dress holding a walking stick. I used to take part in the feast of Mera month offered by elders. Today, I am able to write this essay with the blessing of my parent. This is not a complete biography of ema Jati. It is only few things that I knew and heard.

Oinam ongbi Lembi Chana

To be continued .....